Uber claims to have 40,000 drivers with 3.5 million people using the service.

So, it’s no surprise that already 500,000 people have signed a petition to keep Uber.

But why is it that Londoners feel so strongly about Uber?

The aux cord

Uber gives a bit of personalisation to the journeys. You are the DJ. You do not have to endure conversations of “so how long have you been an Uber driver” and acting like you actually care. You can be off on your way listening to Natasha Bedingfield getting yourself right in the mood.

If Uber disappears, where else am I going to do my terrible drunken "can you pass the AUX lead please driver" DJ sets?

The tracking

In a digital era we are impatient, so being able to physically see the driver on route with an estimated time arrival, puts us at ease. And of course it can speed up the getting ready process, you’ll know how fast you need to blend your new face structure when you can see they’re just round the corner.

The pace and the price

It’s quick and easy, it’s the ready meal of taxis. Who can honestly be arsed to call numerous black cabs and keep saying “no sorry I can’t pay £70 for you to take me down the road, haven’t sold any organs recently”.

On a personal level, last night in my Uber ride, when asking how the driver felt he seems to still believe that Uber will be around for another two years, despite the news. He didn’t appear to be scared of losing his job one little bit. Although other drivers seem to be financially concerned…

My #uber driver Mahmood just told me that this is his main source of income and he's concerned about how he's going to pay his mortgage. pic.twitter.com/zpONPwA6Lj

Safety

This one is debatable. The ability to see an image, number plate and being able to track your Uber driver does make you feel safer, as these details can be sent to friends ASAP. Can all black cabs start tracking too? It’s definitely a worry.

What like? Tracking your route with gps? Knowing your drivers name and car Reg? @Uber is one of the safest travel services! https://t.co/vCtuM50QjQ